Two CPUs in one for cheaper editing systems
Dual-core processors set to massively reduce cost of high-powered Windows HDV editing PCs.
South-coast-based DVC (Digital Video Computing) is one of the first UK specialist video-editing-system builders to take advantage of Intel's dual-core processor, the Pentium D, offering it in single-CPU systems as an alternative to two high-priced Intel Xeon CPUs.
The Pentium D is, in effect, two Pentium processors on one chip and is said by DVC to deliver a similar level of power to a pair of Xeons – and require a less expensive motherboard. As a result, the cost of high-performance systems can be cut by as much as 25 per cent.
DVC's current best sellers include a system based on Canopus's hardware/software combination Edius NX for HDV. The company says that, using dual-core, it can supply a real-time HDV system centred on NX, with full component output, for £3,000 inc VAT. That's roughly £1,000 less than for DVC's Xeon-based NX system.
The company is also offering HDV dual-core systems built around Pinnacle Liquid Edition 6 Pro and Avid Xpress Pro HD, plus a dual-core standard-definition system using Matrox's RTX100 hardware and Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5.
These Pentium D packages will sell alongside higher-priced Xeon dual-processor systems that DVC still recommends for ultimate performance since, it says, Xeons, unlike Pentium D CPUs, also provide Hyper Threading.
Pentium D processors - currently available in three speeds, 2.8GHz, 3GHz and 3.2GHz - require a new type of motherboard. The motherboard that DVC supplies is fitted with 533MHz Ram but also supports newer, faster Ram. DVC, though, is sticking with 553MHz for now because it says the faster Ram is prohibitively expensive at the moment.
All Pentium Ds include 64-bit extensions and so should be able to run the 64-bit version Windows XP. However, DVC says that although this gives an extra level of future proofing, there's no way video editors can take advantage until programs are optimised for 64-bit Windows.
Commenting on the development, DVC's sales director Richard Payne said, "For us, one of the key aspects of dual-core is that we can now use it with Canopus Edius NX to create even more affordable real-time HDV systems. The NX and SP for HDV are two Canopus cards that can give a proper High Definition output when using the component HD board. This is currently free if you buy an NX and comes as standard with the SP."
"However, the Canopus cards require a special type of PCI slot for HDV use - 64-bit/66MHz (rev. 2.2) – and this is normally only found on Xeon motherboards. Fortunately, we've found and thoroughly test a dual-core board with a suitable 64-bit slot and reckon it works brilliantly."
The company's £3,000 HDV system centres on a 3GHz dual-core Pentium D. It has 2GByte DDR2 Ram, two 250GByte hard drives, a Pioneer 110 DVD writer and Canopus NX for HDV with the HDV expansion kit. Also included are a single 17in flat screen monitor and DVC's own two-disc Edius-tutorial set.
Among the available optional upgrades are a faster Pentium D CPU; extra hard disk space, including Raid; a dedicated Edius keyboard; and a second monitor (and/or bigger monitors).
Don't forget to have your say about this money-saving development over in the DVdoctor forums.
